Walk-Out At Board of Ed

Not happy that they lost the vote a few weeks ago on plans for replacing retiring Director of Operations Tom Corbett, School Superintendent JeanAnn Paddyfote and BOE Chairman Wendy Faulenbach put the matter back on the Agenda when they could be sure that two cooperators -- Lisa Diamond and Diane Marandola -- were in attendance. After an extended discussion about Robert's Rules and insistence by the Chair to continue the course, the five Members who voted against the plan on the first vote got up and left the Meeting in a brilliant show of solidarity. Kudos to Joe Failla, Julie Turk, Robin Ruggiero, Bill McLachlan and Joey Vita for having the gumption to stand up for what they believe in, against the odds and the "bullying" as one Member calls it. It should also be noted that Chairman Faulenbach announced that she met with the Mayor yesterday to talk about the combining of the BOE and Town Finance Departments. There are also discussions about combining the maintenance departments. Stay tuned.